Faced with the "great betrayal" of his son, King David chooses not to destroy Jerusalem, instead makes a true "penitential journey" and trusts in God

Vatican City (AsiaNews) - A man, a "man of the government" to defend himself in difficulty does not use God or his people, but trusts in God.  This was Pope Francis' lesson in his homily at Mass celebrated at Casa santa Marta, focusing the biblical episode in which King David, betrayed by his son, decides not to fight, instead chooses penance and does not try to do justice with his own hands, but trusts in the Lord.

The Pope, Vatican Radio reports, commented on Absalom's "great betrayal" of his father David, as recounted in the Second Book of Samuel.

David is sad because "even the people" were with his son against the king.  He feels as if this child was dead". But what is David's reaction when "faced with his son's betrayal?". The Pope indicates three attitudes. First of all, David, "a man of government, accepts reality as it is and knows that this war will be" bitter, "that there will be many dead". Thus, "he makes the choice not to kill his people". He, the Pope observed, "could fight in Jerusalem against his son's armies, "but chooses instead to save Jerusalem from destruction.

"This is David's first attitude, he uses neither God nor his people to defend himself, and that is the meaning of a king's love for his God and his people . A king who is a sinner - we know the story - but a king capable of great love: he was so attached to his God and so attached to his people and will not use either God or his people to defend himself. In the difficult moments of life, it can sometimes happen that in our despair we would use any possible means to defend ourselves, even by using God and his people. Not him, his first attitude is: not using God or his people".

David therefore chooses to flee. His second attitude is "repentance".  He climbs the mountain "crying", walking "with his head covered and barefoot". And all the "people who were with him covered their heads and cried as thy climbed".  It really is a penitential journey". "Maybe - the Pope reflected - in he had had so many bad thoughts in his heart,, he had committed so many sins , that he did not think himself "innocent" . He also thinks that it is not right for his son to betray him , but recognizes that neither is he a saint and so "chooses penance".

"This climbing up the mountain makes us think of that other ascent of Jesus, He also grieved , barefoot, with his cross he climbed the mountain. This penitential attitude. David accepts his mourning and crying. We, when such a thing happens in our lives always try - it is an instinct that we have - to justify ourselves. David does not justify himself, he is realistic, he tries to save the ark of God, his people, and does penance on that road.  He is great , a great sinner and a great saint . How these two things go together ... God knows".

And on the way, added the Pope, another character appears: Simei, who throws stones at David , and all his servants . He is an "enemy" who curses David. One of the king's friends claims he would kill this "unfortunate", this "dead dog". But David stops him, "instead of choosing revenge against so many insults, he chooses to trust in God." Indeed, he says to let Shimei curse him because "the Lord has told him to". He added: "He always knows what is happening, the Lord allows it". "Maybe - David thinks - the Lord will look on my affliction and do me good in exchange for his cursing today." The third attitude of David is therefore trust in the Lord. The Pope noted that David's attitude can help us too, "because in a lifetime" we all have moments of darkness and trial. Here are the three attitudes of David: "Do not negotiate with God" and " our belonging" to His people;  "accept our penance and cry over our mistakes" , and finally "do not try to do justice with our own hands, but trust in God".

Pope Francis concluded:"It is beautiful to hear of and see these three attitudes: a man who loves God, loves his people and does not negotiate, a man who knows he is a sinner and does penance, a man who is sure of his God and trusts in Him. David is saint and we venerate him as a saint. We ask him to teach us these attitudes in the life's bad moments".

 

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